Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies (TWB)

in the Island of Rameshwaram

By Vivekananda Kendra - nardep

Rameshwaram is the South Indian island that has been center of pilgrimages from time immemorial.

Though situated in the arid district of Ramanathapuram, the island has been endowed with 64 traditional

water harvesting and management structure. Out of 64 TWB 41 are situated around the island well

distributed in the community areas. The revival of these structures has ecological, economical and cultural

significance for the people of the island as well as the floating population which is as large as 10 million

per annum. The following benefits envisioned in the renovation of these water bodies which are today

abandoned, polluted, ruined and in state of endangered extinction.

Ecological Potential of each TWB: Recharging of ground water and Rainwater harvesting; aquaculture

as well as use for revival of an ‘infant forest’ (nandavanam) with a specific keystone species.

Cultural Significance: Preservation of epigraphical data (if any) and highlighting it; Promoting

knowledge of historical facts, Conserving the community mythological significance related to each tank

as well as conserving the cultural activities associated with the tank.

Economic Possibilities: Promoting the traditional tank as a TWB and making it and associated place as

an eco-pilgrimage point. With such a vast value addition, new livelihood possibilities get created for local

communities. Better Environment and added pilgrim spots can increase pilgrim inflow. Apart from such

cultural, social and ecological benefits, direct economic benefits can be reaped by Pilgrim Guides (425

members), Hoteliers (55 members), Auto drivers (200 members), and Temple priests (300 members).

Scheme of action

As on today, VK-Nardep has renovated 20 such Traditional Water bodies. In this month, we are giving

the photographic view of the renovation of Narana Teertham.

Documentation of select

ecological, economic and

cultural parameters of the

TWBs: Baseline data

Creating community awareness

for the preservation and

management

Facilitating the creation of local

community structures for the

revival and maintenance of the

water body

Value addition by cultural factors: eco-pilgrimage

creation: making community feel themselves as

stake holders: establishment of water democracy

model for traditional water harvesting structures

management.

Revival and maintenance of the

traditional water harvesting

structures with community

participation

Narana Teertham Report for the month of May, 2016

Filling the area with debris before constructing the steps

Manual clearing of accumulated silt

Wall construction is on !

Constructing Parapet wall

Constructing proper inlet for the tank

Inlet which will work as a filter before water enters the tank

Plastering the main entrance

Fixing the broken glasses for protecting the area

Primer work

Workers giving first coat

A beautiful view of the renovated Teertham

Workers busy in painting work

Shifting of sand and leveling the entire area

Filling up the area wherever necessary

Workers giving final touches

Completed Teertham after painting and entry gate